Hillsdale locks up winning record

Saturday

Feb 16, 2013 at 11:00 AM

By Ed Patinoed.patino@hillsdale.netHILLSDALE — One mission accomplished for the Hillsdale High School girls basketball team.Behind another strong performance by Hayley Maystead, the Hornets rolled to a 58-36 victory over the Erie Mason Eagles in a Lenawee County Athletic Association game Friday evening.Hillsdale (11-8, 6-7 LCAA) clinched a winning record with the victory. The Hornets had consistent scoring throughout the game, putting up double-digit points in each quarter."We knew that this would guarantee a winning record, and that's huge for us," Hillsdale coach Nick Langston said.The Hornets scored 19 points in the first quarter en route to building a nine-point lead. Hillsdale remained hot in the second quarter and extended its advantage to 33-19 by halftime.Erie Mason matched baskets with the Hornets in the third quarter, but was outscored 13-7 in the fourth quarter as the Hornets prevented a comeback.Maystead once again eclipsed the 30-point mark, scoring 35 points to lead the Hornets. She remained in the lineup until fouling out with 0:00.4 remaining in the game."She was one 3-pointer away from tying the school record, which is way we left her in," Langston said.Maystead also grabbed seven rebounds and forced five steals. Sarah Maple added seven points, while Jamee Thompson scored five points and forced four steals. Alana Thayer grabbed six rebounds and Whitney Hodge had five steals.Julia Skaggs had 11 points to lead the Eagles, while Paige Stark finished with nine points.The Hornets will host Ida for the final LCAA game of the season Tuesday."We have a tough one on Tuesday, and we welcome that," Langston said. "The idea now is to get ready for tournament time. We feel we have a good draw in our district, and we have to take advantage of it."